Mental and Social Health Commons^™

“It Is Tiny And It Is Everything”: Exploring The Effects Of Arts-Integrated Gardening On Experiences Of Ecological Grief Through Autoethnographic Research, Christina Kingsbury

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This study explores how arts-integrated gardening affects experiences of ecological grief through autoethnography and draws on my personal experiences as a survivor of environmentally linked cancer and artist working with gardens through social practice. My research builds on two areas of emergent scholarship—investigations of ecological grief and gardens as sites for social work practice—to explore how social work may address ecological grief through arts-integrated gardening. I use a quilting autoethnography as a method of inquiry to foreground my subjective knowledge and analyze it through intersectional feminist, disability and decolonizing theories. By incorporating narrative analysis and arts-based inquiry—writing in place, poetic …

Inside The Circle 2025: Exploring The Ontario Cpe Supervisors' Lived Experience Of The Interpersonal Relations Group Process Portion Of Cpe, Kelly L. Collins

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

This research used a philosophical phenomenological (primarily Gadamer) methodology and asked the question, “What is the lived experience of Ontario Clinical Psychospiritual Education (CPE) Supervisors in the Interpersonal Relationships (IPR) group process portion of CPE?” It used a 90-minute, semi-structured interview format as it sought to understand the supervisor experience of safety in the group. 11 Ontario Certified Supervisors were interviewed and explored this question in relationship to participant supervisors’ experience as students and/or as educators. In the history of CPE, there has been significant harm done to students by some supervisors who were well-meaning, but unaware of their impact …

Assessing Dental Hygienist’S Use Of Anxiety Reducing Practices Toward Patients With Dental Anxiety, Sara C. Steiger

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists' practices regarding anxiety-reducing techniques, their attitudes towards managing patients with dental anxiety, and the extent of their training on the topic. To collect data, an adaptation of the existing survey from the UNC Department of Dental Ecology Survey, was distributed to licensed dental hygienists. The findings of the research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. The results of this study indicate a substantial need for enhanced educational resources to better equip dental hygienists in managing patients with dental anxiety. Most participants do not …

Multimodal Wearable Intelligence For Dementia Care In Healthcare 4.0: A Survey, Po Yang, Gaoshan Bi, Jun Qi, Xulong Wang, Yun Yang, Li Da Xu

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

As a new revolution of Ubiquitous Computing and Internet of Things, multimodal wearable intelligence technique is rapidly becoming a new research topic in both academic and industrial fields. Owning to the rapid spread of wearable and mobile devices, this technique is evolving healthcare from traditional hub-based systems to more personalised healthcare systems. This trend is well-aligned with recent "Healthcare 4.0" which is a continuous process of transforming the entire healthcare value chain to be preventive, precise, predictive and personalised, with significant benefits to elder care. But empowering the utility of multimodal wearable intelligence technique for elderly care like people with …

Residual Next-Day Effects Of Alprazolam On Psychomotor Performance And Simulated Driving In Healthy Normal Adults, Stevie C. Roszkowski, Shanna Babalonis, Marion A. Coe, Paul Nuzzo, Michelle R. Lofwall, Laura C. Fanucchi, Sharon L. Walsh

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research Faculty Publications

The prevalence of drugged driving has increased in the United States. Some drugged driving may be unintentional as prescription medications used as sleeping aids, like zolpidem, cause impairment after the predicted duration of therapeutic action has elapsed. The aim of this study was to determine if nighttime administration of alprazolam, a drug commonly prescribed off-label as a sleeping aid, impacts driving performance the following day. Participants were healthy adults (n = 15) who completed a double-blind, double-dummy, within-subjects inpatient study examining the effects of nighttime administration of alprazolam (0.5, 1, and 2 mg), zolpidem (10 mg), and placebo on driving …

Barriers To And Facilitators Of Buprenorphine Dispensing For Opioid Use Disorder: Evidence From Focus Groups In Appalachian Kentucky, Douglas R. Oyler, Dustin K. Miracle, Hannah Hesener, Laura Stinson, Monica Roberts, Adrienne Matson, Patricia R. Freeman

Pharmacy Practice and Science Faculty Publications

Background: As efforts to increase buprenorphine prescribing continue to intensify, pharmacy dispensing plays an important role in access to essential medications for opioid use disorder. Existing survey research suggests stigma and regulatory concerns are barriers to pharmacists dispensing buprenorphine, but facilitators are less clear, as are in-depth perceptions of pharmacists regarding buprenorphine.

Objective: To assess barriers and facilitators to buprenorphine dispensing in Appalachian Kentucky using a series of focus groups with pharmacy employees.

Methods: Between September and October 2023, 5 structured focus groups were conducted with a total of 19 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across a mixture of high- and …

Leveraging Data Science For Resilience: Improving Trauma-Informed Care Practice For Adverse Childhood Experience With Ai & Data Science Application, Mohmmad Arif Shaik

Master's Theses

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have long-lasting effects on physical health, mental well-being, education, and socioeconomic outcomes. Resilient Georgia (RG), a statewide initiative, seeks to address ACEs through trauma-informed care and data-driven strategies. However, challenges in data collection, analysis, and tracking set back the effectiveness of these efforts. This study explores the role of data science and interactive visualization tools in improving outcomes for individuals and communities affected by ACEs. A key focus of this research is the development of a data science management application designed to enhance data collection and improve real-time decision-making. The application features interactive dashboards that allow …

Effectiveness Of Post-Discharge Interventions Following Psychiatric Hospitalization On Readmissions And Suicide Prevention Among Adolescents, Maria Paz Eladia Posadas

Nursing | Student Research Posters

Background: Suicide is a pervasive and far-reaching issue. Psychiatric hospitalization is often used as an intervention for individuals, including adolescents, experiencing suicidal ideation and/or behavior. However, post-discharge care may lack structure or clearly defined follow-up services, which can result in rehospitalizations and increased suicidality. Objective: The goal of the proposed research study is to investigate how implementation of peer support groups for adolescents following psychiatric hospitalization can assist in reducing readmissions and mitigating suicide risk. This can also help shape strategies for managing care after discharge. Method: The proposed research study utilizes a quantitative quasi-experimental design to determine the efficacy …

Advance Care Planning Utilization Among Non-White Individuals With Heart Disease And Cancer Using Health Retirement Study (Hrs) Data, Trizah M. Njoroge

Nursing Dissertations - Archive

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a critical component of patient-centered care, yet its utilization remains disproportionately low among Non-White populations in the United States, particularly among individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. This article explores racial disparities in ACP engagement using secondary analysis of the 2018 and 2020 waves data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), guided by Bandura’s self-efficacy theory (SET). The study examines how race, disease type, comorbidity, and survey year predict ACP service utilization, defined as completing five key ACP components: a legal will, a medical care discussion, surrogate assignment (DPOA), a …

Anxiolytic Intervention: Modulation Of Cell Types Due To Nicotine Withdrawal, Taylor Elder

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

Nicotine use disorder (NUD) remains a leading cause of preventable disease, yet the neurobiological mechanisms underlying nicotine withdrawal are incompletely understood. Emerging evidence implicates neuroimmune signaling and astrocytic regulation of glutamate in shaping the withdrawal-associated affective phenotype. This dissertation investigated these processes using multiple nicotine administration paradigms including osmotic minipump implant, cigarette smoke exposure, and nicotine vapor inhalation to model diverse routes of human nicotine intake.

Chapter 2 examines the effects of these three modes of administration on neuroinflammation and validation of nicotine delivery. Nicotine exposure was confirmed through receptor [³H]Epibatidine nAChR binding assay and serum cotinine measurements. …

Investigating The Role Of Dynamic Signaling Of Nrg3-Erbb4 In The Prefrontal Cortex In Mediating Nicotine Withdrawal Phenotypes, Emily Prantzalos

Theses and Dissertations--Pharmacy

While several pharmacotherapies are currently available for nicotine use disorder (NUD), smoking cessation success rates remain below 10% each year. The molecular mechanisms underlying failed quit attempts continue to represent a critical gap in our knowledge. However, recent advances in understanding the genetic contributions to nicotine dependence offer a promising avenue for developing more effective cessation therapies. Prior research has identified genetic variation in Neuregulin 3 (Nrg3) and its cognate receptor ErbB4 as potential contributors to affective nicotine withdrawal (WD) phenotypes and cessation outcomes. Therefore, this dissertation aims to systematically investigate the region-specific, functional role of the Neuregulin Signaling Pathway …

Researching Dementia Indicators Among Rural Populations, Justin S. Yount

Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development

The study explored potential dementia indicators and risk factors among older adults residing in rural areas who are actively engaged in farming operations. Data was collected in three components a questionnaire, an audiogram test, and a memory impairment screening. 104 people responded to the questionnaire, 133 participants took the audiogram test, and 94 participated in the memory impairment screening. The findings revealed that 80.9% of participants showed no sign of cognitive impairment while 19.1% showed signs of possible impairment. Participants reported moderate levels of physical and social activity, but common risk factors such as elevated BMI, diabetes, hearing loss, and …

Autism And The Delay Of Diagnosis In African American Communities, Kiara Loud

Theses and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability accompanied by a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. ASD can affect anyone regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity (CDC, 2025). Individuals with ASD tend to have issues with various challenges and strengths regarding how they learn, think, and solve problems. Some children with ASD have repetitive patterns of behavior, restricted interest in activities, and difficulty in communication and social interaction.

According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of ASD 1 in 100 children diagnosed with Autism. Additional data supplied by the CDC states that the number of children with …

Mental Health Trends Among African American High School Students, Alexis Heard

Theses and Dissertations

Adolescent mental health is a major public health issue in the U.S., with African American high school students facing a rapidly worsening crisis. While all youth show increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality, African American adolescents are at greater risk due to systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, community violence, and limited access to culturally responsive care. Few national studies have examined mental health trends among this group. This study (1) examines 2011–2021 trends in persistent sadness/hopelessness, suicidal ideation, suicide planning, and suicide attempts among African American high school students; (2) explores gender differences; and (3) compares these patterns to national …

Prevalence And Profile Of New Zealand Osteopaths Treating People Experiencing Headaches And Migraines, Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira, Brett Vaughan, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Lee Muddle, Loïc Treffel, Cindy Mcintyre, Michael Fleischmann, Francesco Cerritelli, Kesava Kovanur Sampath, Amie Steel

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To describe the prevalence and profile of NZ osteopaths treating people experiencing headaches and migraines. This study is the first to describe this practice. Manual and manipulative therapy interventions are commonly sought by individuals experiencing headaches or migraines. Evidence supports the use of manual therapy as part of the management of headache and migraine disorders. Osteopaths are health professionals who provide care for individuals experiencing headaches and migraines. However, there is a lack of data concerning the profile of osteopaths treating these conditions, in addition to their diagnostic and management strategies. The Osteopathy Research Connect-New Zealand (ORC-NZ), a practice-based research …

Reframing Stigma In Tourette Syndrome: An Updated Scoping Review, Kelly Pring, Melina Malli, Brandy W Hardy, Stephen R Rapp, Eric A Storch, Jonathan W Mink, Jaclyn M Martindale

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Persistent tic disorders (PTD) such as Tourette's syndrome (TS) are common childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorders. Stigmatization of individuals with these disorders remains an ongoing problem. The purpose of this scoping review is to serve as an updated review of the research regarding stigmatization in youth with PTD since the publication of the original systematic review about this topic in 2016. The electronic databases Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched. Of the 4751 initial articles screened after removing duplications, 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies were examined under the social-ecological stigmatization model, which helps categorize stigmatization …

Examining Treatment Options In Youth With Major Depressive Disorder: Observations From The Tx-Ydsrn Registry Study, Emine Rabia Ayvaci, Karabi Nandy, Ryan Becker, Laura Stone, Abu Minhajuddin, Holli Slater, Lynnel C Goodman, Sarah M Wakefield, Eric A Storch, Joseph C Blader, Cesar A Soutullo, Graham J Emslie, Madhukar H Trivedi

Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications

Objective: Treatment decisions for depression are a complex process, influenced by factors such as clinical characteristics, socioeconomic factors, and patient/caregiver preferences. This study examines the characteristics of treatment options during the first month of enrollment among depressed youth.

Methods: Data for 646 depressed youth were extracted from the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network study. Participants' treatments during the first month were categorized as no treatment (NT), psychotherapy only (THER), pharmacotherapy only (MED), or a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy (COMB). Sociodemographic and clinical features were compared across these treatment types.

Results: 7% were on NT, 5% on THER, …

Dementia Awareness Raising Forum: Improving Attitudes Towards People Living With Dementia, Sheridan T. Read, Rosemary Saunders, Matthew A. Albrecht, Ravani Duggan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Stigma surrounding dementia is a significant issue affecting individuals and communities leading to discrimination towards those living with the condition. However, the changing paradigm in dementia support to living well with dementia can reduce this stigma and improve community attitudes. A community initiative aimed to address this evaluated the impact of a two-hour education forum involving 92 community members. Presentations from experts, including a person with dementia, addressed dementia-related human rights issues and initiatives to live well with dementia. Attendees completed the new Dementia Community Attitudes Questionnaire (DCAQ) aligned with the evolving paradigm of living well with dementia before and …

The Development Of A Family-Led Novel Intervention For Delirium Prevention And Management In The Adult Intensive Care Unit: A Co-Design Qualitative Study, Gideon U. Johnson, Amanda Towell-Barnard, Christopher Mclean, Beverley Ewens

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The aim of this study was to codesign a Family Members’ Voice Reorientation Intervention (FAMVR) for delirium prevention and management in critically ill adult patients through collaborative process with previous patients, families, and clinical staff. Background: Delirium is a common consequence of intensive care admission, and there is limited evidence to support family-led interventions to prevent or minimise delirium in intensive care. People with lived experience of intensive care are seldom involved in codesigning delirium prevention and management interventions despite the identified benefits of their involvement in delirium care. Design: Codesign qualitative study. Methods: The process of co-designing was …

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Of Care Providers Toward Non-Pharmacological Intervention For Managing Behavioural And Psychological Symptoms In Australian Aged Care Residents With Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Hunduma Dinsa Ayeno, Mustafa Atee, Gizat M. Kassie, Tuan Anh Nguyen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the healthcare professionals and paid caregivers toward non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Australian residential aged care homes (RACHs). Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey was completed by RACH staff and physicians over the period 6 March-31 August 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Results: Ninety-six respondents participated (41.7% aged 35–54 years, 80.2% female, 38.5% nurses). While 50–65% of the respondents were extremely familiar with 15 of NPIs, only 22% believed there was a sufficient funding for their implementation, …

Combining Internal Family Systems Therapy And Dance Movement Therapy To Treat Survivors Of Sexual Assault, Tierney O'Keefe

Scripps Senior Theses

The mammalian nervous system is primed to connect with loved ones, flee from danger, and shut down when overwhelmed. The nervous system frequently enters a state of chronic dysregulation after a traumatic event, such as a sexual assault. In order to properly heal from such trauma, treatment must address both the body and the mind. Internal family systems therapy and dance movement therapy provide two frameworks to address nervous system dysregulation and restore balance to the system as a whole. This study combines both therapies into a hybrid therapy treatment as an attempt to address the somatic nature of stored …

Social Rejection, Isolation, And Substance Use Disorders: A Neurobiological Defense Of Social Network Intervention In Single-Site Housing First, Victoria Eichel

Scripps Senior Theses

Abstract

Introduction: Rising rates of homelessness in the United States demand not only increased housing efforts but also comprehensive strategies addressing the underlying causes of chronic homelessness. Among the most prevalent factors is substance use disorder (SUD), which both contributes to and results from housing instability. Conventional abstinence-based treatment models often fail to address the root causes of substance use, particularly the chronic social isolation and rejection experienced by the unhoused. This thesis argues for the adoption of a neuroscience-informed model of recovery rooted in community reintegration and low-barrier housing with on-site support services.

The Neuroscience of Substance Use Disorders …

The Pointer Imaging Baseline Cohort: Associations Between Multimodal Neuroimaging Biomarkers, Cardiovascular Health, And Cognition, Theresa M Harrison, Tyler Ward, Jacinda Taggett, Pauline Maillard, Samuel N Lockhart, Youngkyoo Jung, Laura C Lovato, Robert Koeppe, William J Jagust, Danielle Harvey, Joseph C Masdeu, Hwamee Oh, Darren R Gitelman, Neelum T Aggarwal, Mark A Espeland, Maryjo L Cleveland, Rachel Whitmer, Sarah Tomaszewski Farias, Stephen Salloway, Valory Pavlik, Melissa Yu, Christine Tangney, Heather Snyder, Maria Carrillo, Laura D Baker, Prashanthi Vemuri, Charles Decarli, Susan M Landau

Staff and Researcher Publications

Introduction: The U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER) is evaluating lifestyle interventions in older adults at risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Here we characterize the baseline data set of the POINTER Imaging ancillary study.

Methods: Participants underwent health and cognitive assessments and neuroimaging with multimodal positron emission tomography (PET) (beta-amyloid [Aβ] and tau) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Framingham risk score (FRS) was used to quantify cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Results: A total of 1052 participants (31% from underrepresented ethnoracial groups) were enrolled. Compared to Aβ-, Aβ+ (29%) participants were older, …

“What We Say Matters”: Reducing Drug Use Stigmatization By Healthcare Professionals Through A Narrative-Based Awareness Campaign, Adam M. Traugott

DNP Projects

Background: Stigma towards substance use has been identified as a contributor to poor care and health outcomes amongst people who use drugs (PWUD), a vulnerable population. Healthcare worker stigma negatively affects the outcomes of individual patients and may have greater public health implications. Methods of addressing drug-use stigma have previously been implemented in a variety of clinical settings. Presenting the lived experience of PWUD to healthcare workers via emotionally compelling narratives has been found to be an effective means of stigma reduction.

Purpose: This study utilized two psychometrically validated tools to measure (1) the baseline prevalence of drug use stigma …

Ketamine Infusion Treatment For Depression, Isabella Schwing

Capstone Showcase

Depression remains a significant public health challenge in the U.S., affecting millions of adults and contributing to both psychological and financial burdens. Major depressive disorder impacts approximately 14.5 million U.S. adults, with about 30% of cases classified as treatment-resistant depression. Traditional antidepressant therapies, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, often have delayed onset and limited efficacy, leaving a substantial portion of patients without adequate relief. Given these limitations, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment options.

Recent research has highlighted ketamine as a promising intervention for Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment Resistant Depression. Initially identified as …

Medication In Early Adulthood And Long-Term Outcomes In Individuals With Adhd, Emma Deep

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The main question asked about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is: What are the long-term consequences for adults who stay on ADHD medication after childhood? Answering that question includes looking into the medical facts surrounding an ADHD diagnosis, examining the adults and children with ADHD, the subtypes of ADHD, diagnosing ADHD, including the symptoms, and types of medications, along with the side effects. ADHD is one of the most common disorders in children and adults. Understanding ADHD, its diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial for individuals and caregivers navigating this condition. This paper examines the long-term effects of ADHD medication from …

Examining The Adjustment, Acculturation, And Well-Being Of International Arab Students In The United States: Implications For Policy And Practice, Hassan A A Kh A A Arab

Wayne State University Dissertations

This paper explored Arab international students studying in the United States to see whether they face acculturation stress, adjustment, or well-being issues. I found that my sample (N=95) experienced moderately high well-being distress and acculturative stress. However, the sample showed resilience and positive adjustment in all aspects, psychological (M=34.7), social (M=38.5), and academic (M=37.4). Moreover, well-being score from a modified GHQ survey came with high SD, indicating some students were dealing with serious mental issues, while others were doing well (M=42.92, SD=5.52). The majority of my participants were males (74.7%), single (75.8%), and graduate students (50.5%). Chi-square analysis found a …

Multidisciplinary Lethal Means Safety Counseling Design And Implementation: Training And Identifying Barriers In A Children's Hospital, Cassandra L. Stegall, Brendon Carnell, Jaime M. Golden, Rupa Kapoor, John H. Fanton, Paul C. Mullan, Alexandra P. Leader

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Background

Access to lethal means contributes significantly to suicide completion. Lethal means safety counseling (LMSC) is an injury prevention strategy to limit access to firearms, medications, and other means of injury. Not previously evaluated in the trauma setting, this study aims to design and implement a standardized LMSC protocol for pediatric patient discharge education in emergency (ED), trauma, and inpatient psychiatry settings.

Methods

A single-center quality improvement study at an academic pediatric urban tertiary Level-one trauma center was performed from July 2023 to February 2024. Protocol was implemented for pediatric patients discharged from three departments: ED, surgery trauma service, and …

Female Brain And Endocrinological Research–Veteran (Fember-Vet) Study: A Study Protocol For Identifying Endocrinological, Lifestyle And Psychosocial Determinants Of Brain Health Outcomes In Female Veterans For Future Intervention Success, Tamlyn Watermeyer, Elliott Atkinson, Glyn Howatson, Gill Mcgill, Christina Dodds, Paul Ansdell, Chinedu Momoh

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated a greater risk of dementia in female veterans compared to civilians; with the highest prevalence noted for former service women with a diagnosis of psychiatric (trauma, alcoholism, depression), and/or a physical health condition (brain injury, insomnia, diabetes). Such findings highlight the need for increased and early screening of medical and psychiatric conditions, and indeed dementia, in the female veteran population. Further, they call for a better understanding of the underlying biopsychosocial mechanisms that might confer heightened risk for female veterans, to tailor preventative and interventional strategies that support brain health across the lifespan.

Methods …

Investing In Equitable Healthy Aging: Why Africa Must Reform Social Pension Schemes To Improve Alzheimer's Disease And Dementia Outcomes, Cyprian Mostert, Najat El Mekkaoui, Shehzad Ali, Chinedu Momoh, Olivera Nesic, Karen Blackmon, Thomas Thesen, David Andai, Zul Merali, Mary Karanja

Brain and Mind Institute

The eligibility criteria for social pension schemes in Africa hinder equitable and healthy aging. In 2019, women in 14 sub-Saharan African countries had an average life expectancy of 67 years but a healthy life expectancy of only 57 years, leaving them 5 years in poor health before receiving a pension at age 62. Men had a similar situation—a life expectancy of 62 years and a healthy life expectancy of 53 years, spending 10 years in poor health before becoming eligible for pensions at age 63. Many men do not receive pensions due to early death. Delays and low pension payouts …